Birmingham restaurants donate proceeds to AIDS Alabama

Two dozen Birmingham area restaurants, bars and bistros are joining in the fight against AIDS tonight by participating in the fourth annual Dining Out for Life fundraiser.

On Thursday, April 25, the restaurants are donating at least 25 percent of their proceeds to AIDS Alabama. Some restaurants are giving as much as 50 percent of their patrons' bills to the Birmingham-based non-profit AIDS organization.

"All funds raised in Birmingham enable us to continue providing critical services to HIV-positive Alabamians and their families," according to the Dining Out for Life website.

AIDS Alabama serves people living with HIV/AIDS, offers free and confidential HIV testing and seeks to educate people about AIDS.

Folks shared their reasons for participating in tonight's Dining Out for Life event on the group's Facebook page, many mentioning people they knew personally who had HIV.

"I am Dining Out for Life tomorrow because it helps support my brother and his battle!" Meg Gartland posted.

"I want HIV/AIDS to be a thing of the past. And to honor Uncle Les," Melissa Hook said.

"I miss my friend, Frankie. And I can't bring him back but I can do something to help others with AIDS," Kathleen Burke shared.

Dining Out for Life is also using an Instagram contest to give away a $100 gift card. Diners should snap a picture of their meal at one of the participating restaurants and include the hashtag #dineoutfightaids and @diningout4lifeto be eligible to win the prize.